by An Na (2001)
2002 ALA Printz Award Winner
A Step From Heaven is a text that covers amazing ground for a young adult book. The story is rich, complex, and dramatic without being insincere. An Na weaves in metaphors of God and flight and floating that all point towards feelings of faith and hope in a new land. Although the United States does not turn out to be the heaven Young Ju expected, the young narrator still uses these feelings and images as allegories of hope. The author seamlessly changes voice from a four-year-old's narration to an adult's, and shows personal growth as hope despite the fact that Young Ju's life is often stagnate because of her home life. This book was a powerful read that pulled together memories of the past and hopes for a better future.
This book covers domestic violence and might therefore be controversial or inappropriate in certain classrooms. I do believe, however, that students should read and discuss a book that offers a perspective which not only covers abuse in families, but also the difficulties of being an immigrant. Young Ju is simultaneously encouraged to be an American girl but stifled at every turn because this image contradicts the image of a good Korean girl. The text also raises questions about the different ways that girls and boys are viewed in different cultures. There are so many discussions that need to be had that can be encouraged through this text. Christy Yingling discusses ways to approach these topics in the classroom here.
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